“Being pretty-minded is simply the natural state for most people. They want to be vapid and lazy and vain . . . and selfish. It only takes a twist to lock in that part of their personalities.” – Pretties by Scott Westerfeld

Pretties by Scott Westerfeld is the second book in the Uglies series. It is a thrilling and thought-provoking dystopian novel that explores the dangers of perfection and conformity.

Set in a future where everyone undergoes a surgical procedure to become “pretty,” the story follows Tally Youngblood as she continues her journey of self-discovery, love, and rebellion.

In this blog, we will explore the plot, themes, and reasons why Pretties is a gripping read. If you enjoy books that question society’s standards and challenge what it means to be perfect, Pretties will captivate you.

Plot Summary

“Perfection is a lie. If you’re pretty, you’re never real.”- Pretties by Scott Westerfeld

In Pretties, Tally Youngblood has undergone the transformation that everyone in her society undergoes: the operation that turns her from “ugly” into “pretty.” Now, she is part of a world filled with beauty, luxury, and carefree living.

But something’s not right. While she seems to have everything she ever wanted, Tally soon realizes that being pretty comes with consequences she never imagined.

As she tries to adjust to her new life, Tally starts to feel like something is missing. She begins to struggle with the idea of perfection and the emptiness that comes with it. But when she reconnects with her old friend, Shay, and the rebellious Smokie group, she is faced with a choice: live in a world of beauty and control or join the fight to expose the dark truths behind the operation.

Throughout the book, Tally wrestles with her newfound identity and what it means to be truly free. The question is no longer about being pretty; it’s about what she’s willing to sacrifice to uncover the truth.

What Genre Is Pretties?

Pretties is a dystopian novel with a strong focus on science fiction. It’s filled with themes of self-identity, control, and rebellion. It blends speculative fiction with young adult adventure, making it a thought-provoking read for both teenagers and adults.

In addition to the dystopian themes, Pretties can also be categorized as a coming-of-age story. Tally’s journey is one of personal growth as she grapples with the transition from adolescence to adulthood, all while confronting the societal pressures placed on her appearance and choices.

Other Books in the Uglies Series

Pretties is the second book in the Uglies series, which continues to explore the world of Tally Youngblood and the consequences of living in a society obsessed with perfection.

Here are the other books in the series:

• Uglies: This is the first book where we meet Tally and learn about the operation that transforms everyone into “pretties.” The book sets up the dystopian world and introduces the conflict between conformity and rebellion.

• Pretties: After the transformation, Tally adjusts to her new life only to realize the cost of beauty and conformity. As she uncovers dark truths, Tally faces difficult choices that challenge her sense of self and freedom.

• Specials: The third book takes things further as Tally becomes part of an elite force and faces even darker truths about the society she’s fighting against. It’s filled with action, suspense, and heart-stopping moments.

• Extras: The final book in the series is set after the events of Specials. It explores new characters and the aftermath of Tally’s journey, providing a broader view of the world she tried to change.

Each book builds upon the last, creating an engaging and thought-provoking series that’s perfect for fans of dystopian worlds with high stakes.

If you love stories that explore the impact of technology and social expectations mixed with tension-filled action, Pretties is sure to keep you hooked.

Readers’ Ratings and Reviews for Pretties

“The only way to be happy is to live in a world where the stakes are high.” – Pretties by Scott Westerfeld

Pretties has received a solid reception from readers and critics alike.

Ratings:

• Goodreads: Over 372,000 ratings with an average of 3.91 out of 5 stars.

• Amazon: Approximately 18,000 ratings averaging 4.2 out of 5 stars.

Reader Comments:

• “Pretties continues the story of Uglies with even more suspense and deeper reflections on society. It’s thrilling, emotional, and incredibly thought-provoking.”

• “This book made me question how much we value beauty in our own world. A truly eye-opening story.”

• “Westerfeld’s writing is gripping, and the way he explores social issues through a dystopian lens is fantastic.”

Criticisms:

• Pacing: Some readers mention that the middle of the book feels a bit slower, as the story takes time to build up to the bigger revelations.

• Repetitiveness: A few critics noted that the themes from the first book are reiterated in Pretties, making it feel a bit repetitive in places.

Overall, Pretties has been praised for its compelling story and social commentary, and most readers enjoyed its themes and action.

Is Pretties Worth Reading?

If you enjoy dystopian novels that make you think about the world around you, Pretties is definitely worth reading. It tackles the issue of beauty standards, personal identity, and the cost of conformity in a way that feels both relevant and powerful.

One of the most interesting parts of the story is Tally’s transformation from a rebellious, questioning teenager to a more self-aware young adult. Her struggle to define herself, free from society’s standards, resonates with readers of all ages.

However, it’s important to note that the book has its darker moments. The themes can be intense, and there are moments of violence and betrayal that may not be for everyone. But if you’re up for a story that challenges the idea of perfection, Pretties is a fantastic choice.

Age Rating and Content Warnings

Age Rating: Pretties is recommended for readers aged 14 and up due to its themes of rebellion, identity, and some mild violence.

Content Warnings: The book deals with serious themes that might be triggering for some readers. Here are a few important warnings to be aware of:

• Body image issues and surgery

• Violence and combat scenes

• Psychological manipulation

• Themes of control and conformity

The author doesn’t shy away from depicting the harsh realities of living in a society obsessed with beauty and perfection. If you’re sensitive to any of these topics, it’s worth considering whether this book is right for you.

Books Similar to Pretties

If you enjoyed Pretties and want more books that mix dystopian societies, rebellion, and personal growth, here are a few suggestions:

• Deliriumby Lauren Oliver: A story about a society where love is considered a disease, and the main character must decide whether to conform or fight for her freedom.

• Matchedby Ally Condie: In this world, your partner is chosen for you, and the main character has to make a life-changing decision that challenges everything she knows.

• The Giverby Lois Lowry: A classic dystopian novel about a boy who uncovers the truth about his society and the price of freedom.

• The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins: It is a thrilling series set in a brutal world where teens must fight in an arena for survival. It touches on themes of power, sacrifice, and resistance.

These books are perfect for readers who love dystopian worlds where characters question authority and fight for their right to make their own choices.

Conclusion

Pretties is a fascinating and thought-provoking book that explores the cost of beauty and perfection in a dystopian society. Tally’s journey of self-discovery and rebellion against the norms of her world is both gripping and impactful. If you enjoy stories that challenge the status quo and ask hard questions about identity, Pretties is definitely worth the read.

While the book touches on some darker topics, it offers a lot to think about, making it a must-read for fans of dystopian fiction. Just be prepared for the intensity of the themes and the consequences that come with the search for freedom.

The journey doesn’t end here, though—Tally’s story continues in Specials and beyond, giving you even more of the action, rebellion, and self-reflection you loved in Pretties.

About the Author

Scott Westerfeld is a bestselling author of young adult and science fiction. He is best known for the Uglies series, which has captured the imaginations of readers around the world. Westerfeld’s writing often explores themes of identity, societal expectations, and personal freedom, making his books thought-provoking and engaging.

Other books by Scott Westerfeld:

• Uglies (Book 1 in the series)

• Specials (Book 3 in the series)

• Extras (Book 4 in the series)

• Leviathan (The Leviathan Trilogy)

• Zeroes (Zeroes Trilogy)

Westerfeld’s books continue to captivate readers with their bold ideas and strong, character-driven stories.